Guidelines

The following guidelines will help make your visit to Rachel Carson NWR more safe and enjoyable.

Wildlife Observation/Photogaphy
Nearly 100,000 visitors used the one-mile Carson Trail at the Wells headquarters; one of four developed trails on the Refuge. The headquarters trail in Upper Wells is the only Refuge Division with an informational kiosk. The two-mile Cutts Island Trail in Brave Boat Harbor Division has trail signs, but no kiosk nor restroom. Carry-in boat access is available on Chauncy Creek at the intersection of Cutts Island and Seapoint Roads and on the Spurwink River Division by Rt. 77. Parking is available through verbal agreement with Town of Kittery. The Goose Fare Brook Trail and overlook offers parking, a short stone-dust trail and interpreted observation platform with automatic-focus binoculars. The Bridle Path and Atlantic Way and Ted Wells Trails provide views of Refuge habitat in Kennebunk and Saco and Old Orchard Beach.  These trails are located on and adjacent to Refuge property and are maintained by municipal or private non-profit organizations. 
     
Environmental Education
The Refuge provides Service curriculum to local teachers on a request or opportunistic basis.  Programs such as Adopt-A-Salmon and virtual NWR visits are available, but not promoted. The Refuge website leads to numerous wildlife and habitat learning links.

We are seeking to meet the Service’s environmental education goals of: a process designed to develop a citizenry that has the awareness, concern, knowledge, attitude, skill, motivation, and commitment to work toward solutions of current environmental problems and the prevention of new ones. Environmental education within the National Wildlife Refuge System incorporates on-site, off-site, and distance learning materials, activities, programs and products that address the audience’s course of study, mission of the Refuge System, and the management purposes of the field station.

Interpretation
Interpretation is currently limited to a self-guided trail, several interpretive signs on a few Divisions that talk about salt marsh restoration, shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, and wetlands in general. During the summer months we have interns conduct programs on the Carson Trail at the Headquarters Wells Division.

Trails
In an effort to protect delicate habitats, and avoid ticks and poison ivy, we ask that you stay on designated trails.

Firearms
By permit only during designated hunts.

Pets
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Carson Trail in Wells.

Plants, Animals, and Artifacts
Disturbing or collecting is prohibited.

HOURS
The Refuge is open daily, sunrise to sunset. The Refuge Headquarters is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., except Federal Holidays

ENTRANCE FEE
There is no fee required to visit the Refuge